Linear Algebra

Objectives
1. Acquisition of knowledge in Linear Algebra and Analytic Geometry mathematical areas.
2. Provide students with several algebraic tools that are necessary for modeling and solving problems related to engineering.
3. Development of logical, analytical and critical reasoning thinking skills.

Program
I. Matrices and systems of linear equations
1.1. Basic definitions. Some special types of matrices;
1.2. Matrix operations and properties;
1.3. Elementary operations (on rows). The rank of a matrix;
1.4. Systems of linear equations:
1.4.1. Matrix form of a system of linear equations;
1.4.2. Classification and discussion of a system of linear equations by use of the Rouché's theorem;
1.4.3. Solving systems of linear equations by use of the Gauss-Jordan's elimination method;
1.5. Inversion of matrices:
1.5.1. Singular and non-singular matrices;
1.5.2. Calculation of the inverse of a non-singular matrix by use of the Gauss-Jordan's method;
1.6. P^T LU decomposition:
1.6.1. Elementary matrices and permutation matrices;
1.6.2. P^T LU decomposition of a matrix;
1.6.3. Solving systems of linear equations by use of the P^T LU decomposition of the system's coefficient matrix.

II. Determinants
2.1. Definition. Calculation of second order determinants (crossed products rule);
2.2. Laplace's theorem;
2.2.1. Minor and cofactor of an entry of a square matrix;
2.2.2. Calculation of the determinant of a square matrix by use of the Laplace's theorem;
2.3. Some properties of determinants;
2.4. Calculation of the inverse of a non-singular matrix by use of its adjoint matrix.
2.5. Solving systems of linear equations by use of Cramer?s rule.

IV. Eigenvalues and eigenvectors
4.1. Eigenvalues and eigenvectors of square matrices: definitions, characteristic polynomial and algebraic multiplicity of an eigenvalue;
4.2. Eigenspace associated with an eigenvalue, and geometric multiplicity of an eigenvalue;
4.3. Calculation of eigenvalues and eigenvectors;
4.4. Eigenvalues properties;
4.5. Diagonalizable matrices and diagonalization of a matrix.

V. Analytic geometry
5.1. Inner product: definition and properties;
5.2. Vector and scalar triple products: definition, properties, applications to the calculation of the area of a parallelogram and of the volume of a parallelepiped;
5.3. Vector equation, parametric equations and cartesian equations of a straight line;
5.4. Vector equation, parametric equations and cartesian equation of a plane.

Evaluation Methodology
Continuous assessment: two written closed-book tests, each worthing 10 marks, and a minimum of 3 marks in each test.
Exam assessment: one written closed-book test worthing 20 marks including all taught topics.